I personally do not think that your withdrawal from *Pravda* is necessary for us, so long as *Pravda* is being run in so pallid a manner. Having read... your note in No. 11 of *Pravda*, I thought (and Gregory also said the same): it is harmless, pallid, worthless, phrasemongering...

What policy are we pursuing at the present moment? Toward the building of a party nucleus not on the vulgar phrase-making of the Trotskyists and Co., but on genuine ideological rapprochement between the Plekhanovites and the Bolsheviks. Whether this will succeed, I do not know. If it does not succeed—back to the Bolshevik Center. If it does succeed—a not insignificant step forward.

We shall write to the Russian CC (insisting that Makar convene it without waiting for the scoundrel Mensheviks) regarding the expulsion of Dan (and Martov) from the CO, Igor from the ZCCC, and their replacement by Plekhanovites. The Plekhanovites have published... [regarding the issue of] *Golos S.-D.* (You will receive it, presumably, in a few days[^234]).
... [53] for the Golosists, ... against ... 10 ... For the Plekhanovites 11 . . . . . . . . . , but the matter is not so much in the numbers as in the beginning of the split. Well begun is half done.

The Mensheviks are bringing out a reply from Martynovto Plekhanov in a few days, and probably a reply to the Central Organ. Although Plekhanov wishes to preserve for himself the possibility of "returning" to the Golosists, but so far, it seems, nothing is coming of it.

Your withdrawal from *Pravda*, in my opinion—if it is inevitable—must be arranged with the utmost care (write an article against liquidationism and against the *Golos*, let Trotsky refuse!), for a report to the CO and for the preparation of a draft resolution on the publication of a popular newspaper by the Central Organ. Either this, or back to ................................

The Vienna group will remain silent.

As to the report I am not satisfied. This does not mean "to tug"—to remind. Send the beginning. Everything by May 1—that is too late.

I press your hand. Your Lenin

Sent from Paris to Vienna

Published for the first time, from the manuscript